As a waypoint for Colonial America, the Berkshires are rife and rich with history. Then, as now, it is a place for inspiration and knowledge.

Historic sites include:

Arrowhead, the home of Moby Dick author Herman Melville, 780 Holmes Road, Pittsfield (413-442-1793; http://www.mobydick.org).

Chapin Library of Rare Books and Manuscripts, Williams College, Stetson Hall, Williamstown (413-597-2462).

Edith Wharton Restoration, at the Mount, 2 Plunkett Street, Lenox (888-637-1902 or 413-637-1899; http://www.edithwharton.org).

Natural Bridge State Park, inspiration to writer Nathaniel Hawthorne, Route 8, North Adams (413-663-6392; http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/nbdg.htm).